Fenton. Why, thou must be thyself.
He doth object I am too great of birth—,
And that, my state being gall'd with my expense,
1635I seek to heal it only by his wealth:
Besides these, other bars he lays before me,
My riots past, my wild societies;
And tells me 'tis a thing impossible
I should love thee but as a property.
1640

Fenton. No, heaven so speed me in my time to come!
Albeit I will confess thy father's wealth
Was the first motive that I woo'd thee, Anne:
Yet, wooing thee, I found thee of more value
1645Than stamps in gold or sums in sealed bags;
And 'tis the very riches of thyself
That now I aim at.

Slender. Truly, for mine own part, I would little or nothing
with you. Your father and my uncle hath made
motions: if it be my luck, so; if not, happy man be
his dole! They can tell you how things go better
than I can: you may ask your father; here he comes.
1695

Fenton. Good Mistress Page, for that I love your daughter
1710In such a righteous fashion as I do,
Perforce, against all cheques, rebukes and manners,
I must advance the colours of my love
And not retire: let me have your good will.

Anne Page. Alas, I had rather be set quick i' the earth
And bowl'd to death with turnips!

Mistress Page. Come, trouble not yourself. Good Master Fenton,
1720I will not be your friend nor enemy:
My daughter will I question how she loves you,
And as I find her, so am I affected.
Till then farewell, sir: she must needs go in;
Her father will be angry.
1725

Hostess Quickly. This is my doing, now: 'Nay,' said I, 'will you cast
away your child on a fool, and a physician? Look on
Master Fenton:' this is my doing.
1730

Fenton. I thank thee; and I pray thee, once to-night
Give my sweet Nan this ring: there's for thy pains.

Hostess Quickly. Now heaven send thee good fortune!
[Exit FENTON]A kind heart he hath: a woman would run through
1735fire and water for such a kind heart. But yet I
would my master had Mistress Anne; or I would
Master Slender had her; or, in sooth, I would Master
Fenton had her; I will do what I can for them all
three; for so I have promised, and I'll be as good
1740as my word; but speciously for Master Fenton. Well,
I must of another errand to Sir John Falstaff from
my two mistresses: what a beast am I to slack it!